The more I work from home, the less makeup I wear on a daily basis, and the clearer my skin looks as a result. It’s made me realize that there are ways to make your skin tone look even without using makeup — in fact, your skin’s probably better without it. If you want to know how to get glowing skin and a balanced complexion, it all comes down to what you're putting (or not putting) on your skin. Whether you're trying to fade dark spots from sun exposure or heavy pigmentation from acne scars, there are a ton of helpful, super easy steps you can take to get there.
Now, before I jump headfirst into the benefits of going makeup-free, please note that makeup is way up there on my list of favorite things, right alongside corgis, sushi, and Netflix originals. I’ve spent many a night binge-watching makeup tutorials on Youtube until it’s suddenly three in the morning. That being said, makeup is great, but it sucks when you start to feel that it’s necessary. Most brands of cosmetics are absolutely loaded with harmful chemicals that aren’t doing your skin any favors, and if you take care of your skin the right way, you can totally eliminate the need for makeup all together.
When it comes to your cleansers and moisturizers, look for gentle, natural ingredients that balance oil production, give you loads of healing nutrients, and help keep the healthy microbes on your skin present and in check. Check out these top beauty products that give you an even skin tone, so you don’t even need that cosmetics bag of yours.
1. Brighten Dark Acne Scars With Salicylic Acid & Zinc Oxide
Body Merry Spot-On Drying Cream To Reduce Dark Spots, $16, Amazon
This natural formula with zinc oxide gets to work on stubborn acne scars, using salicylic acid to wash away dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of tricky spots. It also helps decrease active breakouts in general, and one reviewer said her hormonal breakouts were "...not nearly as red and raised and the soreness that comes with the deep cystic type acne outbreaks I tend to get with my hormonal outbreaks is all but gone."
2. Go For A Soap-Free Cleanser
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, $26, Amazon
This KORRES 'Greek Yoghurt' foaming cream cleanser uses nourishing proteins from ingredients like Greek yoghurt to rebuild skin, give it a great even texture, and gently cleanse away any dirt, but it skips the flora-stripping soaps. It’s super moisturizing, but not oily, and reviewers say that their face looks so much clearer now.
3. Lock In Moisture With A Water Spray
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, $19, Amazon
Thermal Spring Water is a beauty secret in France because it locks in essential moisture and keeps your skin feeling fresh and looking glow-y all day. Avène's thermal spring water spray can be sprayed over makeup to set it, but it works just as well with a no-makeup routine. One reviewer says, “I want to move to where they bottle this and just bathe in this water every day and night... This is healing water and the longer I use it, the better results I get.”
4. Keep Your Pores Clear With Clay
Sol Beauty Dead Sea Mud Mask, $14, Amazon
If dark clogged pores are making your skin tone appear uneven, a mud mask is an awesome way to keep your pores clear. Skip the skin-covering makeup, and use this Sol Beauty mud mask (one of the highest rated ones out there). It exfoliates, stimulates circulation for a brighter complexion, nourishes with minerals, and pulls dirt out of pores using Kaolin clay. Best of all, it’s great for all types of skin — whether dry, sensitive, or oily.
5. Stay Moisturized, Even If You Have Oily Skin
Amaki Nourishing Oil, $23, Amazon
No matter what type of skin you have, it’s important to moisturize. If you don’t, your skin will produce more sebum than necessary, causing breakouts — which can later scar and create dark pigmentation in breakout zones. Amaki's nourishing oil is a lightweight and non-greasy solution made with only natural ingredients that hydrate and heal your skin, helping it look balanced and even. It keeps your face soft, soothed, and nourished, and it’s a good option if you’re looking to reduce lines or scars.
6. Tackle Sun Spots Without Cover-Up
Skin Daily Solutions Dark Spot Corrector, $20, Amazon
If you never listened when your mom told you to "Wear sunscreen!," this dark spot corrector could be a huge help when it comes to fading sun spots that have darkened over time. Its all-natural formula has witch hazel, retinol, and glycolic and salicylic acid, which work together to fade dark pigmentation, exfoliate away dead skin cells, and protect your skin in the long run.
7. Exfoliate, But Do It Gently
The Beauty Shelf Konjac Sponges, $12, Amazon
Exfoliation is important, in order to slough dead, dulling skin cells off your face to get to the radiant skin beneath. These konjac sponges are made from all-natural Konjac roots that soften with water, as well as activated charcoal that balances oil production and pulls dirt out of your pores. Plus, this one comes with three sponges, which means you’re set for months.
8. Reduce Redness & Irritation On Face With Ginger Root & Vitamins C & E
Jack Black Dry Erase Ultra Calming Face Cream, $38, Amazon
If your battles for a more even skin tone involve fighting off redness and irritation, a calming face cream full of soothing vitamins C and E could be the missing skin step in your routine. Calm sensitive skin and diminish the red irritation with this special formula, which actually mimics the lipids in your skin to help it better retain moisture.
Images: Unsplash/Pexels; Amazon (8)
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